Every Mariner Builds A Respectful Culture (EMBARC) Reporting
The EMBARC Standards aim to eliminate barriers to reporting for SASH incidents and promptly address any report of such prohibited behavior.
Required Reporting
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) Reporting
When cadets are embarked, Vessel Operators shall immediately (within 24 hours after learning of an allegation) notify USMMA of an allegation of a SASH involved behavior regardless of whether the behavior involves a cadet.
If the incident involves a cadet, operators shall provide a complete report to USMMA when the investigation is complete.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Reporting
Recent changes to the law now require the responsible entity of a vessel, defined as the owner, master, or managing operator, to report any complaint or incident of harassment, sexual harassment, or sexual assault to the Coast Guard that violates company policy, pursuant to 46 U.S. Code § 10104. Reporting options include a Coast Guard Investigation Service (CGIS) Tips App, and/or the email address: CGISTIPS@uscg.mil which can be used by all reporting sources, including bystanders and survivors, who have access to a smart phone or the internet.
USCG National Command Center: (202)-372-2100
CGIS: CGISTIPS@uscg.mil
CGIS TIPS: Tip Form (p3tips.com)
If the responsible entity in charge of a U.S. flagged vessel makes a report, including providing detailed contact information for further follow-up, of a sexual misconduct incident through CGIS Tips, via the CGIS email at CGISTIPS@uscg.mil, or the NCC’s phone line the report will satisfy the reporting requirements of 46 U.S. Code § 10104(a).
The USCG investigates and prosecutes all cases of Sexual Misconduct that are criminal in nature. The Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) will leverage all available resources to immediately initiate a criminal investigation for a sexual crime occurring on a U.S. flagged vessel anywhere in the world.
To learn more about USCG Reporting please visit the USCG Website: Coast Guard Investigative Service (uscg.mil). Additionally further guidance is provided in the USCG MSIB 1-23: Reporting Sexual Assaults on US Vessels.
Job Aid - Reporting Prohibited Behavior Aboard U.S. Registered Vessel Carrying Cadets
A two-part reporting job aid is provided in the link below to assist with reporting.
These reporting job aids may be used to assist in meeting the reporting requirements of MARAD’s EMBARC Standards, the United States Coast Guard, and the Maritime Academies reporting requirements for the cadets which are hosted onboard. Applicable requirements should be verified.
Submitting the job aids does not alleviate the responsible entity of reporting to the United States Coast Guard in accordance with 46 U.S. Code § 10104. The use of the job aid is not required and should not delay the action of making a required immediate report.
Reporting Options
Deciding whether to report an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other prohibited behavior is a deeply personal decision. However, reporting can serve as a gateway to recovery.
Sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other forms of prohibited behavior have no place within the maritime industry, and all victims/survivors deserve victim-centered, trauma-informed support following their experience.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed, scared, or feel isolated after you have experienced an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms prohibited behavior. The key is remembering you are not alone.
You are encouraged to reach out to any of the resources identified below, or seek out additional reporting resources at SOCP’s resources webpage at www.socp.us/sash-resources.
- Cadets can report an incident of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other prohibited behavior to their company’s SASH Contact.
- All officers, crew and cadets can additionally report an incident directly to CGIS at email: CGISTIPS@uscg.mil or through their secure online reporting platform CGIS TIPS: Tip Form (p3tips.com). This includes an anonymous reporting option.
- USMMA Cadets have the option of making a restricted or unrestricted report to USMMA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO).
- SMA cadets have the option of reporting to their Title IX office, or other designated employees at their academy.
For specific information on reporting options and contact numbers, please refer to company policies and procedures / academy policies and procedures.